Faculty News, October 1, 2012

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

October 1, 2012

“I don’t see failure as a negative thing.  I just see that as part of my training, my process, learning, experimenting, getting it wrong so that I can get it right.”

-Ryan Hall, marathoner

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

Pride – This Friday, October 5^th we will have silent reading time during PRIDE.  Please remember to mark students unprepared in his/her agenda if they did not come with a silent reading book.  If anyone is doing a book club type setting or one book with your entire group, please email Wendy Milstead and let her know how your group is set up and what book you are doing.

Cafeteria Sign – If you want to put an announcement about club meetings or scores from recent games on the LCD display in the cafeteria, let Ellen know by 10:00 on the day you want it posted.

Caught being good  Don’t forget to catch kids being good!  Collection jars are in the mailroom.  If you need additional slips, the master is in the “Caught Being Good” folder on the server and can be accessed through any grade level shared folder.

Computer Lab open in morning The sixth grade computer lab will now be open Wednesday through Friday mornings from 8:00 to 8:40.  If you have a student who needs to work on finish an assignment, please send them with a pass.

Grading timelines:  Teachers, please check for news of the next grading timeline in TAC.  If you have difficulty viewing it, please let Nan know.

Edmodo Discussions:  At our October workday, I will be sharing the details of the new Fulton County strategic plan.  I will be posting some questions on Edmodo ahead of time so please make sure you have joined.

Join me on Edmodo.  I have set up an AMMS staff page on Edmodo.  Since one of our initiatives is to increase the student use of technology in instruction, I thought we could use Edmodo to share thoughts of how this is happening.    Go to Edmodo.com and join AMMS Faculty.  The group code is rf14iu.

Elections:  If you have not heard J, there is a presidential election taking place in November.  As stated by Ron Wade from Human Resources, “School system employees have the same civic responsibilities and privileges as other citizens, including the opportunity to campaign for and hold public office. They also have the same rights to actively support candidates and political causes. However, those activities must not interfere or conflict with that employee’s job duties or with the best interest of the school system.”   It is certainly appropriate to (objectively) discuss the election and the views of the candidates. 

Where is Livingston?

Sonya Purdy states, “I would like to pass Livingston on to Betsy Jacks and Carolyn  Grimaldi, our fearless force at the front office! They handle a wide variety of issues each day, in a professional and caring manner. No task is too daunting for them as they deal with students, parents and visitors.  Their genuine concern for each student’s well-being and success is clear, as they often notify the counselors or clinic of situations that might otherwise go undetected. Autrey Mill is fortunate to have such knowledgeable and compassionate representatives greeting all who enter the school!”

 

Happy Birthday

Jennifer Cooney                    October 6

 

 

 

 

Faculty News September 24, 2012

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

September 24, 2012

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time.”

-Thomas Edison

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

PRIDE – This Friday, September 28 will be an advisement class for PRIDE.  We will continue in the theme of icebreakers and getting to know you/others better beyond who are you and what is your name.  6^th Grade will start a two-part lesson learning about what it mean to be part of a community and establishing norms for their group.  7^th Grade will be discovering their personality/learning styles.  8^th Grade will be conducting interviews and learning about what is important to others in their group and who they really are as a person.

 

Employee Assistance Program

As a new school year brings anticipation, hope, a fresh start…but can also be hectic and a bit stressful.  I thought this would be a good time to remind you of a resource available year-round to all FCS employees – our Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).

 

This work-life balance EAP can help you find solutions for the everyday challenges of work and home as well as for more serious issues involving physical and emotional well-being.   Just some examples of help they can provide include:

·         Childcare or elder care information and referrals

·         Personal relationship information

·         Health information and online tools

·         Legal consultations with a licensed attorney

·         Financial Planning Assistance

·         Stress Management

·         Career Development

 

You can speak with a Masters level consultant by phone, have up to 3 face-to-face meetings per issue, or browse the website for hundreds of downloadable articles, podcasts, videos, toolkits, assessments, etc.

You may access the EAP by calling 800/854-1446, or go to www.lifebalance.net and use lifebalance as the user name and password.  The EAP services are 100% confidential and 100% free, and we encourage you to take advantage of this resource as often as you wish.

 

Student Council Shout Out goes to Amy Creamer for all her help in putting together the student council speeches.

 

Join me on Edmodo.  I have set up an AMMS staff page on Edmodo.  Since one of our initiatives is to increase the student use of technology in instruction, I thought we could use Edmodo to share thoughts of how this is happening.    Go to Edmodo.com and join AMMS Faculty.  The group code is rf14iu.

 

Elections:  If you have not heard J, there is a presidential election taking place in November.  As stated by Ron Wade from Human Resources, “School system employees have the same civic responsibilities and privileges as other citizens, including the opportunity to campaign for and hold public office. They also have the same rights to actively support candidates and political causes. However, those activities must not interfere or conflict with that employee’s job duties or with the best interest of the school system.”   It is certainly appropriate to (objectively) discuss the election and the views of the candidates. 

 

Where is Livingston?

Betsy Skalet states, “I would like to pass Livingston on to Sonja Purdy for all of the work she does in the clinic. We send kids that don't feel well to her every day.  She also helps take care of many students that need to take meds every day to those students that have to keep up with chronic conditions by checking in with her various times a day. Sonja does so much work also when we get ready for overnight field trips. She has also helped me personally with dealing with my diabetes at school and she is always there when I need her.  Thank you Sonja for all of your hard work.”

 

Happy Birthday

Joe Wilson                             September 25
Rachel Luthringer                  September 25
Robyn Magnussen                 September 28
Courtney Revels                    September 29
Sarah Bayer                           September 30

Faculty News September 17

 

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

September 17, 2012

“We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

-Aristotle

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

PRIDE –This week’s PRIDE session will be silent reading. Students should have a silent reading book with them when they come to you. If they do not, please mark an unprepared in his/her agenda. Remember, you can choose to do a group book with your students as well.

If you have any reusable supplies from previous advisement lessons such as bowls, unused straws, popsicle sticks, etc. please return those to your grade level PRIDE liaisons so those can be stored for future use.

 

Congratulations to Sarah Bayer who was selected to the Fulton County Technology Academy.

 

Join me on Edmodo.  I have set up an AMMS staff page on Edmodo.  Since one of our initiatives is to increase the student use of technology in instruction, I thought we could use Edmodo to share thoughts of how this is happening.    Go to Edmodo.com and join AMMS Faculty.  The group code is rf14iu.

 

Workday:  Please leave the morning of the October 15 work day free as we will be meeting that morning.

 

Seems I am not original in the idea that engagement comes from rigor, relevance and relationship.  Check out this great article:  http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-3-characteristics-of-a-great-teacher/

 

TAG Testing  The dates for TAG testing have been set.  Grade level teachers will receive a list of names pertinent to them several days prior to testing.  The CogAT test, from 9-11:30, is scheduled for:

• 9/25 – 8^th grade
• 9/27 – 6^th grade
• 10/4 – 7^th grade plus a few 8^th graders

This test will take place in the MC.  HR teachers will receive testing passes to give to their students the day before.  They will need to come to the MC as soon as HR is over.

 

The creativity test will be given to all students on 10/2.  This test will be given by 8^th grade teachers during their planning.  Students will be out of class for about 45 min.  Passes will be given to students the day before.  All students will not go to the same location, so please remind them to check their room assignment.

 

Also on 10/2, select students will be given a different mental ability test.  This test will be given in the MC.  Because of the limited number of testing materials, all students will not test at the same time.  When you give them their pass, please ask them to check the time carefully.

 

Students are responsible for making up any work missed during their testing session.  Thanks for you patience!

 

Where is Livingston?

 Michelle Hains states “I am sending Livingston to Betsy Skalet. Her dedication to students, and willingness to go the extra mile so they can participate in events, are never more evident than on field trips, when she cheerfully accepts responsibility for her students.”

 

 

Happy Birthday

Peggy Bright                          September 19
Melissa Beanblossom           September 20

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

September 10, 2012

“We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

-Aristotle

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

PRIDE – Our next session for PRIDE will be Friday, September 14^th and we will be in an advisement session.  Lessons will be distributed through your teams.  At this point ALL students should have brought a folder to be kept with the PRIDE teacher for advisement activities.  Please check to see that students have done this and if not please remind them.  Next Friday, September 21^st will be a silent reading day in PRIDE.  At the end of the advisement session this week remind students to have a silent reading book and/or decide if you will read a book as a group.

 

Picture Day is Wednesday and we need to make sure that ALL staff members get their picture taken so that we have a nice photo for the yearbook. 

 

Save the Date:  Tuesday, September 11, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm in the teacher lunchroom.  Sam’s Club is offering AMMS faculty and staff a $10 to $25 gift card for joining or renewing your membership.

 

Don’t forget your faculty handbook acknowledgement is due to me this week and that you also have the policies checklist from Human Resources to complete.

 

Please be mindful that over the next couple of weeks there are significant Jewish holidays and many students will be absent.   Please try to avoid tests on those dates and heavy homework requirements.  Rosh Hashana is September 17 and 18 and Yom Kippur is September 26.

 

Where is Livingston?

Amy Creamer states “Michelle Hains is the recipient of Livingston this week.  Michelle works tirelessly on creating lessons that will provoke students to think creatively, abstractly, and will connect with their lives.  She embodies the idea of a team player by not only making her classes the best they can be, but lending a hand to others when needed.  No theatrical production at Autrey Mill would be possible without the skill, talent, and enthusiasm of Michelle.  The students know they can rely on Ms. Hains for her encouragement and expertise as well (as a science joke now and then!).”

Happy Birthday

None!

Faculty News, September 4, 2012

 

Autrey Mill Faculty News    

September 4, 2012

The sports world is a classic example of the game of life.  Much can be accomplished when nobody becomes too concerned with who gets the credit.  Great plays are made possible by unselfish and disciplined individuals who are more concerned with end results than with personal ones.

            -Jack Whitaker

 

News/Timelines/Due Dates

·        PRIDE – This Friday (9/7) will be our first silent reading day for PRIDE.  Due to the 8^th grade trip, students will remain in HR for silent reading instead of moving to their PRIDE groups.   Next week (9/14) will be an advisement lesson.

Please remember, teachers should be reading along with the students to model the behavior.  All students should have a silent reading book with them.  If not, an unprepared for class should be marked in the student’s agenda.  It is a good idea to have extra reading materials on hand in your classroom in the event a student is not prepared with reading materials. 

Kindles, Nooks, or electronic reading devices are allowed during PRIDE but students bring them at their own risk.  (It has been suggested in the past to have students with electronic devices turn and face the back of the room so you can see what is on their screen while they are reading to make sure students are not on the internet and/or playing games, etc.)

When we move back to our PRIDE groups for silent reading, it is fine to choose one book for your entire PRIDE group to read like a book club.  This may be a great option for groups of students consistently unprepared in bringing a silent reading book and/or book clubs are of interest to you.  Consider reading groups with several books and/or poll your class and find out where they have interests.  Our goal is to foster a love for reading and create life-long readers. 

 

Where is Livingston?

Unnur Kornmayer states “I have always admired Amy Creamer's unbridled enthusiasm and dedication to her work.  She devotes herself fully to her drama classes, one of the most requested Connections. She gives every student a unique opportunity for self-expression on stage, or behind the scenes, through short skits, plays and other activities.  She often brings out the best in students who might be considered “challenging” in a traditional classroom setting. In addition to her teaching duties, Amy runs the Lion News Network and the award winning Drama Club after school.  She has already started production of the fall play, Wooing Wed Widing Hood, which will compete in the Regional One Act Festival in October.” 

 

 

Happy Birthday

Unnur Kornmayer       September 9